Kaukauna Veterinary Clinic Celebrates World Pet Memorial Day

Dr. David Gagnon

June 12^th is World Pet Memorial Day.  Being pet owners, we’re lucky enough to have enjoyed the company, companionship, and love from a pet.  Of course the more typical pets, such as dogs and cats, are commonplace in American homes.  Many people have other animals they consider pets, whether horses, chinchillas, birds, or anything in between.  Regardless of the kind of animal, our pets are often a significant source of joy in our lives.  Being a veterinarian, my interest in pets began at a young age, and this unraveled into a lifetime dedicated to the prevention and relief of animal suffering.

As any pet owner knows, or will come to know, nobody lives forever.  Most of our companion animals don’t live much longer than a decade or two, and some unfortunately leave us far sooner than that.  As difficult as it is to say goodbye to our pets, providing the service of euthanasia is a responsibility that I take seriously and I consider myself fortunate enough to perform.  Euthanasia, though never easy, allows our pets to pass away peacefully and with dignity.

June 12^th is a day dedicated to the memory of our lost pets.  I’ve found that my memories of past pets tend to be very good.  My last moments with them were spent in times of old age, illness, or suffering, though my thoughts never really go back to those last minutes together.  The beauty of a long life filled with experiences and memories, is that those good times are what I recall.  My first dog Holly, a black lab mix who joined my family when I was just a tot, was one of the sweetest girls around.  She would never devour her rawhide treats, but rather just hold onto them and enjoy her new treasure.  Ella, on the other hand, was a little stinker who would chirp rather loudly at us when she had to go outside to do her business.  My very first memory of her was when she came home with us, only weeks old.  Then came Louis.  What a stud.  He had the nose of a true bird dog, and would run hard all weekend long until his feet nearly bled, all with the goal to sniff up birds.  Then there was Maggie.  What a sweetheart.  She wanted nothing more than to snuggle up next to our feet.  Some of these dogs lived to ripe old ages of 14 or 16, while others developed problems much younger at the age of 6 or 9.  All were loved, and none will be forgotten.

Now I have Solomon.  He’s almost 3 years old, and we’ve already shared joys and frustrations together.  Really the frustration was during puppy hood, but now he’s outgrown some of those immature behaviors and we’ve become best friends.  We cuddle at home, go for car rides, hunt, camp, and hike together.  He’s my shadow.  I realize his time on earth is limited, and I hope the time to say goodbye will only come several years from now, but his memory will live on leaving nothing but a smile on my face.

Solomon

 

This is a day to think back on the good times with your best friend.  Perhaps look at some old photos, share stories, or just crack a smile recalling some funny little behavior, like when she would always hop around when you made a bag of popcorn.  This is why we get pets.  They’re a huge source of happiness, and it’s a wonderful honor to spend our time with them while we can.